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Uppercase Fabrics, Kevin Umana, and Creativity Breakout

This post is the story of two creatives, well, maybe three. One is an artist living and working in Los Angeles. That’s Kevin Umaña, up there.

Another is Janine Vangool, a graphic artist and editor-in-chief of Uppercase Magazine in Canada, who recently released a line of fabric through Windham Fabrics (photo of Janine from *here*).

And then there’s me, but you know what I look like.

And it’s also the tale of two quilts and a quilt block (which is at the end, by the giveaway from Uppercase and Janine, so keep reading).

Some time ago, my nephew linked me over to Kevin’s Instagram feed, as he knew I am slightly passionate about quilts and designs, and I’m especially in love the the “grid.” Apparently Kevin loves it too, as well as color and shape and repeated lines. (All these images are posted with his permission.)

I had sort of been in a creative slump, slightly burned out, not really knowing what to do next besides bee blocks and the Same Old. Idly scrolling through Kevin’s feed one afternoon, I found a few designs that interested me; he and I began to correspond, and then collaborate.

About the same time, Uppercase Magazine‘s Janine Vangool announced that they were producing an Encyclopedia (images from Uppercase’s website), and the one that interested me was her Stitch-Illo, one of three that was launching the Encyclopedia series. Since I’d missed submitting to her Compendium (which is always on my nightstand), I went right to her website and started choosing pictures to submit, planning on getting the submission in early. Everything was going along swimmingly until I hit this question: “What makes your work unique?”

Unique?

No matter what I wrote, it sounded trite and useless and idiotic and banal and cliched, and believe I re-wrote the answer to that question about 50 times. I felt dead in the water. (I’m sure Kevin wondered what happened to me.) It was like coming up to a mirror and instead of seeing a reflection of my image, it was like seeing past me into an empty sewing room, forty million quilts stacked to the ceiling, but they were all somebody else’s vision or creation or idea. Nothing unique anywhere.

That question rattled around in my head while on a trip with my husband, and where it rained nearly every day, giving me lots of time to think. I slowly reviewed all the quilts I had pictures for while sitting in my hotel room, wondering; do we all make the same quilt, over and over? Not our own same quilt, but the One of the Moment, currently seen on everyone’s Instagram feed, or splashed all over the quilty magazines? Where was my unique? If someone saw one of my quilts, would they say, “Oh, yes–that’s Elizabeth’s!” And if I really had a unique, what was it? What did it look like? How could I tell it from someone else’s?

And in my more cynical moments, I’d say, “Well who cares, if it’s unique? Doesn’t matter enough that I’m a maker, that I express myself with cloth and sewing and cutting and stitching?” Really helpful, right?

Back home, I began looking at Kevin’s designs again. In college we were encouraged to do “imitations” of writers, using their form in order to get the meter and the words under our creative nails, as a way of training up a writer. It was a form of limiting, giving us structure, but not letting us off the rails, so to speak. So I decided to allow Kevin’s form to give me structure. And I chose to limit my fabrics to a (delightful) bundle of Janine’s Uppercase fabrics, which I’d purchased at Market.

The first experiment (above) with Kevin’s work was almost an exact copy.

But the second quilt took off on its own.

The center cross morphed.

Somewhere in here, the experiment sparked an original idea. And when I quilted, I kept seeing more.

Crossroads, after Umaña • Quilt #166

Until finally, I’m here.

I won’t tell you what I wrote for Uppercase, because in a way, it’s really irrelevant to the idea of this particular story. What resonates is that challenge laid down in those words of the application, one that I think about to this day. I’m incredibly grateful to Kevin for allowing me to collaborate with him, and to borrow a little from his light when I needed it.

I’m also grateful to creatives who make fabrics for me to use, such as the excellent line shown in this post. All fabrics, with the exception of the solid white, are from Janine Vangool’s Uppercase Fabrics line. Yes, even the wee metallic letters in the sunglasses below, an echo of Kevin’s at the top of the post.

Every person born in this world represents something new, something that never existed before, something original and unique and every man or woman’s foremost task is the actualization of his or her unique, unprecedented and never recurring possibilities. (Martin Buber)

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. (Margaret Mead)

Nobody can be exactly like me. Even I have trouble doing it. (Tallulah Bankhead)

When I saw Janine at Quilt Market, her booth was handing out free Uppercase Magazines. Since I’ve been a subscriber for several years, I mentioned to Janine that with the free magazine I could instead do a Giveaway on my blog, and she handed me another magazine, her fabric catalogue and the charm pack of her fabrics to sweeten the pot. To enter, please leave a comment. Blog followers get double their chances (shameless promotion), but it’s not necessary to follow to win.

NOTE: Giveaway now closed. Thanks to all who entered.

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And finally…

…congratulations to the winner of the Dresden Carnival book, Beth T, who wrote about making a squared Dresden plate block for her niece’s quilt. I’ve sent you an email and I’ll get that off to you this week. Thank you to all who entered. You have lovely Dresden Plate Memories!

I think that we all struggle a bit about what makes us ‘individual’ as creators. I especially am always looking for inspiration from others, as I have a difficult time conceptualizing. The fun for me is borrowing an idea from someone more visionary than myself, starting my project, and then seeing where the fabric takes me!
I love what you did with your inspiration piece! It reminds me of a lighthouse! Thanks for such a thought- provoking blog post!

I LOVE how your inspiration piece turned out! I started following Kevin when I saw one of your IG hashtags- his work is crisp and so graphic! Unique- not me! I do try to put my own twist on the quilts I make, never using the ‘line’ chosen by the designer or copying or by choosing my own setting or colour palette but unique- no way! But as always, you have given us plenty to think about!
Love your Chuck glasses- how do you make your applique so neat with such narrow seam allowances?!

So much to consider in your post. I see so many quilters whose works are instantly recognizable to me–they seem to have found their voice and don’t stray, in design or color choice or mood. There are times when I long for that, wish that someone would immediately say, “That is Beth’s quilt, I’d know it anywhere!” But other times, I like that some of my quilts are modern in feel, while others are Civil War repros. I am the sum of many things, from my pioneer ancestors to the GoGo’s I listened to in high school. I carry all of that with me, every day, and each of my quilts, as different as they are, tells the story of the woman who made it. As does every other quilt that every other quilter makes. So does that make my quilts unique or ordinary, or both?

Hi Elizabeth – Your love of graphics and lines shows wonderfully in your new quilt that makes me smile just looking at it. I know by your quilt at market and now this beauty one will be able to recognize you in your beautiful work. I remember when I first saw your Lollipop Trees quilt and started following your journey on that one that one day your work will be recognized by others. Love your new design and hearing how you came about designing it.

The artist inside you exploded on that quilt! I love you design and how graphic it looks. The quilting too is spectacular! I love the way you found inspiration from another artist! (Follow you on WordPress)

I learned about Uppercase fabrics and Kevin Umana from one (or two?) of your previous blog entries! I even thought that he should design quilts. His work is – dare I say – unique. We are sometimes inspired by looking, experiencing, swooning over “new” ideas or arrangements of lines and shapes we see others create. Thanks for your insightful blog.

Love this post – it resonates with me. I took a quilt class once with a art school trained teacher. She kept asking “what are you trying to say with your work?” When I am creating a quilt those words help me focus on my idea. Thanks, I am interested in finding out about Uppercase mag! I follow by email.

I luv the post!!!! I do think one can get so embroiled in the “I’ve got to be unique” that a state of being totally catatonic/brain freeze will be the result. Inspiration comes from the “outside world” but digging deep into oneself (with honesty/integrity) can’t help but result in the ‘finish’ that may be labeled “Me”. Thanks so much for the thought-provoking premise!!!!!! Hugs………………….

Everyone of your blogs has information that is new to me. Thank you for this. I still am in awe of all you do and how quickly you finish your projects, write patterns, etc., etc. You push me to do new things such as EPP which I am currently trying.

Oh, Elizabeth, you are such an amazing artist and writer, that it astounds me to know that you sometimes have doubts. Your creativity inspires me each time I read your blog. And your quilts! They are so beautiful, so (dare I use the word, unique ~grin~) Thank you for continuing to share your life and your quilts with those of us who aspire to do more.

Thanks as always, Elizabeth, for an interesting post. I love hearing about the process of inspiration and creation, and seeing the outcome of that process. Great work! As to “unique,” I’m not sure how I would describe my unique view or process or quilts. What is true is that I design my own and am nearly completely unaware of the “in” crowd of fabric or pattern designers. Also I think what I make looks like mine, though I try to challenge myself to do new things with each project. NONE of it looks like someone else’s, to be sure!

I do almost always add something of myself to any pattern I choose to do. Make the block and place them in a unique way or something. Add sashing. Turn on point.
Love your idea for the quilt you did. Very nice indeed.

That turned out so beautifully, Elizabeth. The quilting on it also looks so graphic and perfect for the quilt. I’m just happy to have the time to quilt and really do not worry about leaving some sort of legacy in the quilting world. I love looking at all of the beautiful pieces that everyone else creates so keep it up.

So far in my career as an editor I’ve really enjoyed other people’s voices (read: writing style) but when it comes to my own, well I have a blind spot. Colleagues say they love mine but I always have a look of “Really?! I don’t feel like I did much to make this writing my own.” I suspect quilting is like that too. Cindy Needham pointed that out in the workshop I took with her last month. She didn’t think she had a style until she overheard other quilter’s saying, “Oh that’s definitely Cindy’s work!”

I’ve been trying to figure out what my style of quilts is and I can’t define it. I don’t make the quilts I’m drawn to (but I do like the quilts I make). I am very good at copying (not via a pattern) but creating a quilt version of something. Gah, introspection is hard!

I ponder that thing about recognizable style. Gallery owners want it (I’m a long way from gallery work) but I am not sure I do. To me it is more of a negative: Oh that’s X’s quilt–again. Or Oh s/he took a class from X, more of same. I’m not sure how far I’m-unique-so-anything-I-make-is-also goes. I have heard people say, Yes that’s been done before, but not by me. Doesn’t quite cut it for me. I too would have had trouble answering that question.

I always find inspiration in your posts Elizabeth. I love that you ponder these things and then put your thoughts into words to share with us. It’s fun to see your process and the evolution of these quilts. I’m not one to make what everyone else is making preferring to design my own. But sometimes that leads to very little progress as I get bogged down in decision making. For the first time in eons I’m actually working on a quilt from a book rather than my own idea. Not my norm at all, but it feels great to be making instead of thinking about making. Now I better get back to it. : )

I follow you with my feed reader, but I signed up for email just to have a better chance of winning this. I’ve drooled over these fabrics since I first saw them online. If I don’t win, I might have to break my moratorium on purchasing fabric.

I’m afraid I’m a “one of the moment” quilter, but I try to make mine different somehow. Here’s a quote from Bernadette Peters: “You’ve gotta be original, because if you’re like someone else, what do they need you for?” I follow you via feedly.

I love that publication but don’t have a subscription so would love to win the drawing. Your column really stopped me – am I unique with my quilting? My ideas are unique but if I don’t put them into fabric, no one knows them. Time to do something about that. Thanks for this posting.

I’d love to win the magazine Uppercase. I follow her blog and admire her fabrics. Of course I follow your blog too, Elizabeth, and admire all the cool things that you come up with. I never noticed that you had run out of ideas!! Don’t believe it for a minute. Hugs.

A wonderful post. As a quilter I struggle with uniqueness and appreciate your take on it. Your Crossroads quilt is lovely. I subscribed to Uppercase for the first time with issue 30! It came today and is spectacular! Being able to win and read a past issue or two as a winner would be wonderful.

I think that, no matter where you start, the end is always personal. Your work is often identifiable to me — and you know I have a particular fondness for it. So there is something about it that is clearly you and no one else.

As I read your existential angst about uniqueness, my mind was busily pushing away my own anxiety and doubt and shame with self-soothing ” There, there, it’s okay…” And then it really was okay, with your self-acceptance and the wonderful quotes of others. So, I appreciate the push and the hug! And I love your work. The center cross, with its own perspective, is brilliant.

Just reading all the comments and it’s clear, to me, that you are already viewed as unique!!!! Loved this post and your “new” work. Must be in the air – I’m been having similar angst and can feel clearly that my internal compass is shifting (and it feels pretty good). Several months ago I learned about Uppercase from another quilter friend and appreciate your further relevation – would love to see/read one of the issues! And that fabric charm pack (especially the small lettering): a must have!
You are the best poster out here, you know!!

So thoughtful and so true. I’ve wondered about that idea of unique in my own efforts, too, many times! I appreciate your perspective and admire your search for a new challenge. The results are spectacular! And I’m now following you and Kevin. So glad I opened my UPPERCASE email from Janine this morning!

Well, I think I’ll have to throw my hat in the ring for this one!
I like both of the quilts, and your original design is great. Especially the way you tweaked the center cross.
I’m a huge fan of the book “Steal Like An Artist” I think it’s truly hard to be completely original. We take what we see and make it our own.

I have a simple small quilt made for me by my grandmother fifty years ago. It is sewen together of bits and pieces of rags. She was very poor her entire life, having to quit school in the third grade to work on the farm. This was the only thing she could do as a wedding gift for me and it is all I have of her. Her name was Ludmilla Marie Sobotka. I look like her and today realize she was beautiful. Imagine! I thought I wasn’t pretty.
I love creativity in any form, subscribe to UPPERCASE, and if I win plan to give the issue to a dear friend who creates joy in the lives of those who know her.

My comment isn’t so much to enter the giveaway – though that’s a lovely bonus – but to tell you that I admire and am envious of the way your creativity took off after being exposed to Kevin’s work. Your design is beautiful, and all the straight line quilting is so appropriate for it. I see a QuiltCon entry there! In my head I know that everyone has creativity, but my heart finds only disappointment in my (in)ability to capture a vision. I wholeheartedly agree that it’s difficult to find one’s uniqueness. But look what you did… a morphed design that turned into your original idea. Fabulous! I keep dreaming about this happening to me someday… but I only find that I must be too set in the ways I view design to really cut loose.

Thank you for this subject and discussion. I am an engineer, I design equipment arrangements to suit the needs of the process and the people who operate it, but I have never debated whether I am an artist with my quilts. I enjoy making beautiful things, quilts and bags and other fabric items which in themselves are one of a kind, because no one else will use the exact fabric choices or quilting design as me. And doing so makes me happy.

Create

"The creative act is not an act of creation in the sense of the Old Testament. It does not create something out of nothing: it uncovers, selects, reshuffles, combines, synthesizes already existing facts, ideas, faculties, skills." ~Arthur Koestler